The <a href="http://www.orokonui.org.nz/" target="_blank">Orokonui Ecosanctuary</a> in Dunedin, <a href="https://inhabitat.com/new-zealand-treehouse-restaurant-wins-multiple-awards/">New Zealand</a> has the very important job of protecting the surrounding natural habitat from intruding pests and sustaining the flora and fauna of the region. In order to do the job properly, the Otago Natural History Trust built a visitor centre from local materials and <a href="https://inhabitat.com/category/architecture/cargotecture">shipping containers</a>. Designed by Dunedin-based firm, <a href="http://www.architecturalecology.co.nz/contact.php" target="_blank">Architectural Ecology</a>, the visitor centre responds to the local climate and features soaring rooftops to provide shade and protection from the rain, shade screens, rainwater collection and waste water processing.

1

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visiter Centre-Architectural Ecology

The ecosanctuary protects native animals and plants and has even helped endangered species find a home.

2

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visiter Centre-Architectural Ecology

A huge and highly specialized pest-proof fence surrounds the sanctuary to keep out mammals such as possums, rats, stoats, ferrets, cats and mice in order to protect the native species.

3

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visiter Centre-Architectural Ecology

The visitor centre is open for people to explore the area, learn about native species, and help preserve biodiversity.

4

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visiter Centre-Architectural Ecology

Inside the centre there is a conference room, atrium, landscaped gardens and a cafe.

5

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visiter Centre-Architectural Ecology

Located on the south part of the main island, the ecosanctuary is in an area with a "Cloud Forest" microclimate, which means it is often misty.

6

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visiter Centre-Architectural Ecology

At the same time, the area is known for high winds, summer droughts and snow and ice in the winter.

7

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visiter Centre-Architectural Ecology

Architectural Ecology designed and built the visitor centre to respond to these local climatic conditions and yet still have minimal impact.

8

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visiter Centre-Architectural Ecology

The low profile allows the building to fit in with its surroundings and the colors and materials help it blend in with the landscape.

9

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visiter Centre-Architectural Ecology

Local wood was used throughout the project, including macrocarpa found onsite and milled from old farm trees in the nature preserve, rimu recycled from a town hall in a neighboring settlement, and plywood made from sustainably grown plantation trees.

10

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visiter Centre-Architectural Ecology

Recycled shipping containers are also used in the project. Wood screens protect the building from overheating.

Rainwater is collected for use in the building and waste water is treated to a high standard and then used for irrigation.

13

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visiter Centre-Architectural Ecology

Floorplan of the visitor centre.

14

1/14

Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visiter Centre-Architectural Ecology

The Orokonui Ecosanctuary in Dunedin, New Zealand has the very important job of protecting the surrounding natural habitat from intruding pests and sustaining the flora and fauna of the region. In order to do the job properly, the Otago Natural History Trust built a visitor centre from local materials and shipping containers. Designed by Dunedin-based firm, Architectural Ecology, the visitor centre responds to the local climate and features soaring rooftops to provide shade and protection from the rain, shade screens, rainwater collection and waste water processing.